One of Scotland's best known and most picturesque stately homes is set to be converted into wedding venue thanks to a £1m financing package from a Cambridge bank.

The owners of Castle Toward, Keith and Denice Punler, are set to transform the Grade B listed building into a venue for private hire, weddings and other events with the help of niche lender Cambridge & Counties Bank.

Read More

Built in the 19th Century, Castle Toward sits on the southern tip of the Cowal peninsula, overlooking Rothesay Bay in Argyll & Bute on the west-coast of Scotland. The multi-million-pound investment will boost the local economy, create numerous jobs and secure the future of the house and grounds, with the owners aiming to promote it as a major venue for private events and to rent out some of the estate cottages as holiday lets.

Castle Toward

Keith Punler said: “The support and funding from Cambridge & Counties Bank has been at the heart of our plans to turn Castle Toward into an even more successful local and national landmark. It has helped put the Castle on a firm financial footing as it enters the next exciting era in its history. The bank took a hands-on approach, with the loan being made available within a month from approval, and we are now very excited to bring our vision for Castle Toward into fruition."

Sue Higginson, senior business development manager for South East, Cambridge & Counties Bank, said: “It is clear that Keith and Denice have a passion and vision for Castle Toward and it’s great that we have been able to help them realise their ambitions and aspirations. We know that Cambridge & Counties Bank offers a competitive, unique service for clients and we look forward to working with more SMEs during 2018.”